Andy Black In London: “A Very Special Experience”

We caught Andy and Creeper on The Homecoming Tour in London. Here’s what we learned...

ANDY BLACK SHOWS ARE VERY DIFFERENT TO BLACK VEIL BRIDES SHOWS

Perhaps it’s to be expected given how much of a departure Andy Biersack’s solo album is to his more bombastic day job in Black Veil Brides, but quite how stark a contrast it is only becomes apparent when witnessing Andy first hand. Almost the polar opposite of the exploding pyro that usually surrounds him, it’s an incredibly stripped back show. Andy is flanked by just two backing musicians and sparse lighting, but these songs work just fine without any bells and whistles, with the likes of ‘Stay Alive’ and ‘Louder Than Your Love’ sounding like bona fide anthems.

THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

As well as seeing him in more intimate settings than many are used to, it soon becomes apparent that this is much more than your average show. Acting almost as ‘An Evening With Andy Biersack’, we hear a lot more from than the man himself between songs than when he’s riling up the BVB Army. There’s jokes and charm, but he also offers some fascinating insights behind the songs themselves. His brutally honest and moving stories about how ‘Beautiful Pain’ is about friend and BVB guitar tech Chris Holley who sadly passed away last year and ‘Put The Gun Down’ being a reflection on a difficult year for Andy, it’s a rare glimpse into the man behind the mystery.

THE CREEPER CULT IS STILL GROWING

It’s becoming a regular occurrence now. Openers Creeper take to the stage, and large patches of the crowd seem to be newcomers to their goth punk mastery. Then, within just a few songs, they’re converted, and the vast majority of the room are jumping along with their arms in the air. Further proof (if it was ever needed) that this lot are far much more than hype and one of the most exciting new bands we’ve got.

...TURNS OUT ANDY LIKES CREEPER, TOO

At times it’s all too easy to feel like support bands are plonked on a show for no real reason, but this bill feels right. Indeed, during the show Andy isn’t shy in gushing over how much he loves Creeper’s music, and even puts his money where his mouth is by inviting frontman Will Gould onstage as the pair deliver a stellar cover of Alkaline Trio’s ‘Time To Waste’.

THERE’S STILL A SPRINKLING OF BIERSACK MAGIC

The more things change, the more they stay the same, eh? Even with a much more subtle approach, Andy remains as compelling as ever. There are very few people in rock who could pull of such a charismatic performance by simple standing centre stage with their hands in their pockets, but that’s what this guy does. And even when he’s largely skirting away from theatricality he can’t resist a bit of showmanship, with CO2 cannons and confetti blasting during closer ‘We Don’t Have To Dance’. This is no complaint though, and brings a massive party climax to an already fantastic live show.

Words by Gav Lloyd, photos by Ben Gibson. Check out our full gallery from the show here.